The European Environment Agency (EEA) warned other items such as cosmetics and medicines which contain endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) could be harmful to humans.

In a study published on Thursday, officials said there was strong evidence of harm and cautioned against their use but stopped short of recommending a complete ban.

The agency warned that five classes of chemicals needed more scrutiny.

These included phthalates, which are often found in pesticides bisphenol A and other PCBs, which are used to make plastics parabens that are increasingly found in sunscreen and chemicals used in contraceptive pills.